I'm BAAAaaaack

I just want to pop in to say that I'm back on track starting today. I will post a more detailed blog later in the week once I have composed my thoughts. Stay tuned.....

Third Week in Review

Previous Week's Weight: 314.8
This Week's Weight: 317.8
GAIN This Week :( : +3
Pounds Gone for Good: -2.2

Please forgive me for the late weekly review post. I went out of town for the weekend to celebrate my 5th Wedding Anniversary and have had a hard time getting back into the groove of "normal life." Also, I'm sure the fact that I gained 3 lbs. didn't encourage me to hurry and post the bad news. Why did I gain? Well, mostly because I went away for the weekend and chose not to count points while I was gone. Obviously, I have a lot of work to do in figuring out how to handle myself during special occasions. I did have a plan, but it did not come together as I hoped. I'm trying not to beat myself up, but it's hard not to. It is SO discouraging to have a gain that it's VERY hard to get back on the plan. But, I did, on Monday. I have to admit that it does feel really good to be in control again!

Second Week In Review

Previous Week's Weight: 317.2
This Week's Weight: 314.8
Loss This Week: -2.4
Total Pounds Gone For Good: -5.2

I am very pleased to have lost 2.4 lbs this week! It's hard to believe that you can actually lose weight and not feel deprived at all. I dined out three times this week, had a small sundae from DQ and went to a movie and had some candy. It's just all a matter of making the right choices. At McDonald's I got the Mushroom Swiss Angus Burger without the mayo and asked for a packet of light mayo and drank diet coke instead of regular. At Max & Erma's I ordered the Hula Bowl Salad which is one of their healthy menu choices. At Chick-fil-a I ordered the chargrilled chicken sandwich with fruit instead of fries. I love eating out and am so glad I can still do that while following the Weight Watchers Points System.

As far as activity, I didn't get as much planned activity as I would like to, but I did take a walk a couple times and I cleaned one day and went to the mall one day. And of course I chase my 22 month old around when we play, so that gives me some activity.

My challenge this week is that my 5th wedding anniversary is Friday and we are going away for the weekend and will be dining out the entire time. We are going to a nice restaurant Friday evening and I do want to enjoy that meal without worrying about what I choose from the menu. So, I will allow myself to order what I want that night. I will just plan to save my weekly WW Flex Points for the weekend. As long as I don't gain next Monday, I'll be happy to just stay the same.

FIRST WEEK IN REVIEW

Previous week's weight: 320
This week's weight: 317.2
Loss this week: -2.8 lbs gone FOREVER!!!

I am happy with myself for losing 2.8 lbs this week. It's just really hard not to look at it as "ONLY 2.8 lbs" when it seems I have so far to go. However, studies have shown that a loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week is ideal for health and for maintaining loss in the future.

I counted Points (using the Weight Watcher's method) this week and walked every day except one. I even got to eat out twice and don't remember feeling deprived or physically hungry at all. Those things considered, a 2.8 lb loss looks GREAT!

Keep the comments coming! They all help inspire me.

INSPIRATIONS FOR LOSING

Without reasons to inspire us to lose weight, we would never attempt to. Here are some of my reasons, which I like to remind myself of daily:

• better overall health
• breathe easier
• feel more comfortable in public
• feel better about pictures of myself
• won't be consumed by thoughts of food
• won't have to worry about limitations because of my weight
• my son deserves a healthy mom
• my husband deserves a healthy wife
• more fit for vacations
• others will be proud of me
• I will be proud of myself
• will no longer feel out of control
• better appearance
• lower blood pressure
• my feet won't hurt
• ability to do physical activities without being so out of breath
• more self-confidence
• nicer clothes
• won't be a "fat Mom"
• longer life
• set a good example for my son
• be active with my family
• more energy
• lower cholesterol

"Dear Food"

Dear Food,

You are no longer in control of my life. I am in control of YOU.
You will not consume my thoughts.
I will eat to live, not live to eat.
I will not turn to you in times of celebration, sadness, stress, nervousness, or boredom.
I will rely on you for nourishment only.
I will not depend on you for happiness.
I will make smart choices when it comes to you.
You will not be the center of attention in times of celebration and get-togethers.
I will not give in to you in times of cravings.

Sincerely,

Melody

Welcome To My Blog

"This Is It." It is September 14, 2009 and I am at my highest weight ever. I'm 5'5" and weigh 320 pounds. That's right. I'm posting my weight on a blog for the whole world to see. That alone should be inspiration! In a way, I think "I don't know how I got to this point," but in other ways, I do know. Am I ashamed? No. But, I am disappointed in myself. I have high cholesterol and borderline high blood pressure. I have talked my doctor into letting me stay off the high cholesterol medication, vowing to eat healthy and exercise. I really do not want to be on medication at the age of 33. I'm too young for that! I am at the point where I feel like I HAVE to do SOMETHING about my weight. I have a toddler who needs me around for a long time, and a husband who wants me around for a long time. I've put this off, I think because I'm scared and I feel hopeless at times. But, I've decided THIS IS IT! I HAVE to do this. I've lost almost 80 lbs before, so I know I CAN do it. Right now, I'm 100 lbs heavier than my weight when I got married in 2004. Sometimes, in my mind I just think "what's the use, I'll just gain it back AGAIN!" I am going to STOP those negative thoughts and LOSE IT FOR GOOD! And I'm not just going to lose weight, I'm going to do it in a very healthy way. I plan to exercise moderately, eat healthy, and nurture myself psychologically. My tools will be the Weight Watchers Points system and the book "The Complete Beck Diet For Life" by Judith Beck. And, of course, this blog and YOU, my readers! I welcome any comments and suggestions from all of you! Thank You for taking this journey with me. I look forward to sharing the joys of celebration, as well as the tears of disappointment with you.